English as an Additional Language (EAL) Conference - Thursday 04 February 2027 (Broadway House, London)

An inaugural conference exploring inclusive practice, multilingualism and effective EAL provision, with practical approaches to supporting multilingual learners across all school settings.

Description

Conference Programme

Time	Session
09:30	Arrival, registration, and coffee
10.00 -10.05	Welcome and introduction Speaker: Emma Hellyer, Head of Assessment, HMC
10.05 10.30	Introductions and conversation starters on tables
10.30 – 11.15	Keynote: World class provision for multilingual learners: what should we be aiming for? To include: Setting the scene in UK / global context, definitions of EAL, ensuring conceptual clarity Who counts as EAL? Misalignment between school data and pupil self-identification Moving towards inclusive EAL / multilingual school policies and practice Speaker: Dr Robert Sharples, founder of Heddle EAL and Senior Lecturer in Language and Education, University of Bristol
11.15- 11.20	A word from our sponsor
11.20 – 11.35	Refreshment break
11.35 – 12.35	Session 2: Assessment panel discussion Panel Members: Karen Thomas, Manager and Lead Adviser, Portsmouth EMAS Anna Leaman, Founder, EAL Inclusive Dr Charlotte Murakami, Head of the English Language Academy, New Hall School Chair: Tbc
12.35 – 12.45	Questions for the Panel
12.45 – 13.30	Lunch
13.30 – 14.30	Session 3: Delegate-led Presentations Claire Blueitt, Head of EAL, Queen Anne’s Caversham Abbie Dean, Head of Department and co-founder of WoLLoW, Norwich School Bruce Clements, Head of EAL, Brentwood School
14.30 – 14.40	Refreshment break
14.40 – 15.40	Session 4: Multilingualism in the classroom With Q+A Speaker: Dr Hamish Chalmers, Senior Departmental Lecturer; Course Director, PG Dip EAL; Co-Director, Oxford Education Deanery
15.40 – 16.05	Session 5: Guided discussion (plenary + table groups) Ways forward, action planning and an agenda for “world class” EAL.
16.05 –	Closing remarks and depart